5 Signs of Cocaine Overdose

Read About the Signs of Cocaine Overdose

In much of the research and the popular dialogue regarding drug addiction, the primary focus is on narcotics like heroin. As such, many people can recognize narcotic overdose symptoms but are unaware of the signs of cocaine overdose. Most people assume that cocaine, while addictive, is not dangerous enough to suffer an overdose from. This is not actually the case and the symptoms of cocaine overdose can vary from obvious to subtle. It is important to know the signs of cocaine overdose so that you can act quickly when you recognize those signs in yourself or in someone you know and care about.

Sign #1: Nausea

Cocaine is not usually a drug that is associated with nausea. However, it is one of the early signs of an overdose to cocaine. The nausea comes about from an overstimulation of the nervous system, specifically in those nerves that communicate with digestion, appetite, and the like. Because the internal systems are in overdrive, nausea occurs. Additionally, nausea commonly occurs along with heart problems and cardiovascular distress, which can also occur with both cocaine abuse and overdose.

Sign #2: Tremors

Because stimulants cause so much excitation in the nervous system, that added energy often needs some place to do, particularly in the case of an overdose. As such, another one of the many signs of cocaine overdose is tremors. These tremors often occur first and primarily in the extremities, including the hands, feet, arms and legs. However, the tremors many affect the whole body and can include tremors in the eye muscles and abdominal muscles.

Sign #3: High Body Temperature

Stimulant drugs like cocaine raise a person’s body temperature any time they are consumed. However, among the signs of cocaine overdose is an extreme rise in body temperature. When large quantities of cocaine are consumed, the body temperature can rise very quickly to dangerous levels. Generally speaking, any body temperature above 99 is considered a fever and above 104 is considered dangerous. When a person suffers an overdose of cocaine, their body temperature can spike above these dangerous levels, even above 107 degrees. These temperatures can cause permanent brain damage, seizures, and even death if they are not brought down quickly enough.

Sign #4: Elevated Heart Rate

The signs of cocaine overdose also include cardiovascular issues and problems. One of those symptoms of cocaine overdose include an extremely elevated heart rate. Many people that abuse cocaine over the long term have heart issues and conditions. However, when an overdose occurs, the heart will begin racing out of control. Oftentimes, the heart will also begin beating irregularly and fall out of its normal rhythm. If the heart cannot slow or resume a normal rhythm, a person could suffer a heart attack or sudden cardiac arrest due to their cocaine overdose.

Sign #5: Psychosis

Psychosis is a mental disorder that involves a complete disconnect from reality. This disconnect from reality can occur in many ways. In extreme cases, it can mean that a person has full-on hallucinations and delusions. Other times, a person may simply have an over-inflated or expanded sense of self-importance and self-worth. This can involve the individual thinking they are invincible. Additionally, they may think that they can jump off of a roof or are the smartest person in the world. There are many forms of self-delusion and extreme self-importance that can occur. Psychosis can be a serious mental health issue that occurs with overdose, especially because it can lead to reckless and dangerous behavior.

Now knowing an understanding all of these signs of cocaine overdose, you can see why knowing these signs is just as important as understanding narcotic overdose symptoms. If you or someone you love suffers a cocaine overdose, seeking medical care and attention is vitally important and can help to prevent permanent and long-term damage to your health.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.